Why Should I Read The Bible?–-By Meisha Johnson
The one thing every person wants in life is a good life. What actually constitutes a good life may differ from person to person, but we all want one. How we achieve that good life — our best life — is another issue all together because we only have so much control. Even if we were to make all the “right” decisions, i.e., educationally and vocationally, we still only have partial control. The rest is up to God. Or as some would say, the rest is in the Bible.
So, why should we read the Bible? There are many reasons. Too many to name in this article alone. But we can start with this: Scripture is the roadmap to our best life! The Word of God overflows with valuable instruction (and Wisdom) on how to achieve the life of blessing — the life God predestined for us. In our own limited understanding and foresight, it is impossible for us to know for sure the best way forward. We need divine wisdom for that. And that kind of wisdom comes from God alone — reading the Bible and reading it often.
Because the Word of God is such a critical component to the building (strengthening) of our faith and for navigation (through life and maintaining salvation), the enemy, satan, works overtime to pull us away. He will do all he can to make us feel too busy, uninterested, or to forget what we’ve already read (hence the importance of reading Scripture daily!). While occasional reading of the Bible is better than no reading at all, it’s not enough. Seeds of faith are not watered enough and roots will not grow deep enough with occasional reading. In order for the Word of God to penetrate our heart, mind and soul — a spiritual requirement for real and lasting transformative change (conversion) — we need to be in His Word, the Bible, as often as possible.
Look at it like this: Scripture has been divinely protected over hundreds of years and handed down to us today, all for our benefit. But this gift is only beneficial if we utilize it. If we read it, believe it, and implement it into our daily lives. It was never meant for passive attention or, heaven forbid, to be ignored altogether. The Words of the Bible are supernaturally alive and active; crucial for the guidance and safe arrival of every person striving towards the Promised Land. A divine remedy for all that ails us.
Most ministry-related emails and messages I receive today revolve around emotions such as worry, stress, exhaustion, loneliness, lack of joy and apathy. Along this journey we call life, people long to have peace in their lives regardless of current circumstances. For many, having peace and joy is the good life. And while the world can not promise lasting peace and joy to anyone, God can.
In John 14:27, Jesus promised: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Through the Word of God, Jesus promises peace. He does not promise a life without suffering — in fact, He assures us that we will suffer (John 16:33) — but many self-induced problems are wildly mitigated (even eradicated altogether) by submitting to the Word (and will) of God.
The apostle Paul, in one of his most famous epistles, re-affirmed Jesus’ promise of peace by stating that the Peace of God will (forever) guard our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7). How do we attain this Peace of God? By reading (and remaining in) the Word of God. It is Scripture that gives us the peace of mind we so badly need and desire. And not only will it change how we feel and live our lives, it’ll fill us with divine Wisdom — the assurance of knowing what to do and where to go at every stage and decision in life. As the great prophet Isaiah once said: “No Word from [the Lord’s] mouth will ever return empty. Rather, they will accomplish all of what He desires; achieving the intended purpose for which they were sent” (Is. 55:11).
If you are still waiting around for your best life — the good life God has promised — I strongly encourage you to pick up the Bible. Even if you start with only one passage a day, that’s okay. If you’ve already been reading it, begin reading it anew with a new sense of vigor, appreciation and urgency. By spending time with Him, in His Word, meditating on His divine teaching and instruction, you’ll begin to experience a slice of Heaven you weren’t privy to before. And that’s not just personal testimony fluff either. That is an unbreakable promise from Almighty God to you.
“Jesus answered, It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God’” –Matt. 4:4.
“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” –Heb. 4:12.
“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” –Psalm 119:105.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” –2 Tim. 3:16-17.
“Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” -Luke 11:28.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” –Colossians 3:2.
Written by Meisha Johnson
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